Avoid the potholes, wash off the salt and look forward to spring

Winter driving can be hazardous not only to your personal wellbeing, but to the integrity of your vehicle. Salt and potholes are two common culprits. Here’s what you need to know, based on the expertise...

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By
Angie Hicks
Posted Jan. 25, 2014 @ 12:01 am

Winter driving can be hazardous not only to your personal wellbeing, but to the integrity of your vehicle. Salt and potholes are two common culprits.

Here’s what you need to know, based on the expertise of top-rated auto pros:

Potholes: These road hazards form when water that seeps into road cracks expands and contracts during the freeze-thaw process, degrading the road surface. Potholes have proliferated earlier than usual in some parts of the country that recently experienced heavy snow and bitter cold followed by a warmer spell.

You can’t always avoid striking a pothole, but be aware that even if your tires and wheels appear unscathed, your car may have sustained damage. Keep an eye on your tire pressure and be alert for signs of wheel, alignment or suspension damage, including wobbly steering, vibration or the car pulling to one side.

The cost of a new tire starts at around $100, as does the typical cost of a new wheel. Alignment issues can cost several hundred dollars to repair. Many auto insurance policies cover pothole damage if expenses exceed your deductible, but talk to your insurance agent before submitting a claim.

Road salt: The same salt that local and state governments use to melt snow and ice can cause your vehicle to rust. The undercarriage, wheel wells and brakes are most vulnerable, but metal brake and fuel lines may also become damaged.

Washing your car is the best way to prevent salt damage. Some experts recommend making sure your vehicle’s underbelly is washed at least once a month when salt is on roads, and several times a year thereafter. Be sure the wash uses a high-pressure stream of water to clean the undercarriage.

April is an especially good time to get your car washed, since by then spring rains will have washed away road salt.

Avoid wiping your vehicle to remove salt; it can scratch the surface. If you opt for a drive-through or automatic car wash, which can range in price from $3 to more than $20, be aware that your finish could get scratched if rotating brushes or agitating cloths are too firm or contain built-up salt, dirt or debris.